doklynk corporate

Portugal

Start Your Business in Portugal

Portugal has become one of Europe’s top destinations for business and investment, offering low taxes, government incentives, a strong startup ecosystem, and full access to the EU market. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or startup founder, Portugal provides business-friendly regulations, skilled professionals, and a high quality of life.

With one of the most affordable business costs in Western Europe, Portugal is an excellent choice for launching tech startups, service-based businesses, real estate ventures, and international trade operations.

Why Choose Portugal for Your Business?

  • 1

    Easy and Fast Registration

    Register your company in 1-3 business days
  • 2

    100% Foreign Ownership

    No need for a local partner.
  • 3

    Low Corporate Taxes

    12.5% for small businesses and 21% standard rate
  • 4

    Full Access to the EU & Schengen Market

    Expand across Europe and beyond
  • 5

    Affordable Living & Operating Costs

    Lower than France, Germany, or Spain
  • 6

    Residency by Investment

    Business owners can apply for the Portugal D2 Entrepreneur Visa or Golden Visa
  • 7

    Startup & Tech Hub

    Government-backed incentives for startups

Types of Companies You Can Register in Portugal

Private Limited Company (LDA) – The Most Popular Business Structure

  • Best for: Startups, SMEs, foreign investors.
  • Limited Liability: Owners are only responsible for their capital investment.
  • Minimum Share Capital: €1 per shareholder (recommended: €5,000+).
  • Corporate Tax: 12.5% (up to €50,000 in profits), then 21% (standard rate).

📌 How to Register:

1️⃣ Choose a unique company name and check availability.
2️⃣ Prepare Articles of Association & business plan.
3️⃣ Deposit minimum share capital in a Portuguese bank account.
4️⃣ Register with the Portuguese Commercial Registry Office.
5️⃣ Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF).
6️⃣ Register for VAT (IVA) if applicable.

⏳ Processing Time: 1-3 business days
💰 Government Fees: €220 – €360

Sole Proprietorship (Empresário em Nome Individual) – Best for Small Businesses & Freelancers

  • Best for: Freelancers, independent consultants, small business owners.
  • Simple & Fast Setup: No need for share capital.
  • Personal Liability: The owner is responsible for business debts.
  • Taxed as Personal Income: Progressive rates from 14.5% to 48%.

📌 How to Register:
1️⃣ Register online through the Portal das Finanças.
2️⃣ Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF).
3️⃣ Register for VAT (IVA) if applicable.
4️⃣ Open a business bank account in Portugal.

⏳ Processing Time: 1-2 business days
💰 Cost: Free registration

Branch Office – Expand Your Foreign Business in Portugal

  • Best for: Foreign businesses looking to operate in Portugal without creating a separate entity.
  • No Minimum Capital Required – Operates as part of the parent company.
  • Taxed as a Foreign Entity – Subject to Portuguese corporate tax if conducting business in Portugal.

 

📌 How to Register:
1️⃣ Submit branch registration documents to the Portuguese Commercial Registry.
2️⃣ Provide parent company’s legal registration & financial statements.
3️⃣ Appoint a local representative in Portugal.
4️⃣ Obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) and VAT registration.

 

Processing Time: 5-10 business days
💰 Government Fees: €220-€360

Business Licenses & Permits in Portugal

Certain industries require special licenses before operations can begin.

📌 Industries that require additional licensing:

  • Finance & Banking – Investment firms, fintech startups.
  • Food & Hospitality – Restaurants, cafes, hotels, catering services.
  • Real Estate & Construction – Property developers, builders, engineering firms.
  • Medical & Pharmaceuticals – Clinics, pharmacies, biotech startups.

Need help securing business licenses in Portugal? We provide expert assistance!

Banking & Financial Setup – How to Open a Business Bank Account in Portugal

📌 Required Documents:

  • Company registration certificate & Portuguese Tax Number (NIF).
  • Business address in Portugal.
  • Passport or valid ID of business owners.

📌 Top Banks for Business Accounts in Portugal:

  • Millennium BCP
  • Banco Santander Portugal
  • Caixa Geral de Depósitos
  • Novo Banco

Processing Time: 3-5 business days

 

Hiring Employees in Portugal

  • Minimum Wage (2024): €820 per month.
  • Work Hours: 40 hours per week.
  • Employer Contributions: Social security, health insurance, pension (23.75% of gross salary).

 

📌 High-Demand Jobs in Portugal:

  • IT & Software Development
  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • Construction & Real Estate
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

 

Portugal has a strong labor market with competitive wages compared to other Western European countries.

Office Spaces & Business Infrastructure

📌 Best Cities for Business in Portugal:

  • Lisbon – Portugal’s financial & startup hub.
  • Porto – A center for trade, manufacturing, and tourism.
  • Faro – A growing business hub in the Algarve region.

 

💰 Office Rental Costs:

  • Coworking spaces: €150-€350/month
  • Small office (50m²): €500-€1,200/month
  • Corporate offices: €2,500+/month

Taxes in Portugal – Business-Friendly Policies

  • Corporate Tax: 12.5% (for small businesses), 21% (standard rate).
  • Dividend Tax: 28% for individuals.
  • VAT (IVA): 23% (standard), 13% (reduced for some goods/services).
  • Personal Income Tax: Progressive rates from 14.5% to 48%.
  • Portugal offers startup tax incentives and lower business costs compared to many Western European countries.

Business Expansion & Residency in Portugal

  • Portugal D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa) – For business owners and startup founders.
  • Portugal Golden Visa – Invest in a Portuguese business and gain EU residency.
  • EU Business Expansion – Use Portugal as a gateway to European and international markets.

 

📌 How to Get a Business Visa in Portugal:
1️⃣ Invest in a Portuguese business or real estate.
2️⃣ Provide proof of financial stability & business plan.
3️⃣ Apply for a residence permit as an entrepreneur.
4️⃣ Receive approval & start business operations in Portugal.